HUNDREDS of crisps and soft drinks were handed out to shoppers by members of Coventry’s Sikh community.

The refreshments were issued to members of the public in the city centre during an event to mark Human Rights Awareness Day earlier this month.

The international event coincided with the anniversary of the martydrom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth of 10 gurus in Sikhism who were executed for speaking out about people’s right to practise religion freely.

The event in the Lower Precinct was organised by members of Coventry’s Council of Sikh Gurdwaras and was attended by hundreds of people, including faith leaders, councillors and numerous other city dignitaries.

Youngsters from the Rhamgharia Music Centre provided entertainment by singing traditional Sikh hymns.

Councillor Harjinder Singh Sehmi (Lab, Cheylesmore), of the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras, said: “It was a great success and was a well-attended event with hundreds of people. It was a good day for the Sikh community in Coventry and the whole city.”